Gorham Mountain Trail

Gorham Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Acadia National Park. With a 525 foot summit, Gorham Mountain is not one of the higher mountains on Mount Desert Island, but its close coastal location provides views that are both intimate and spectacular.

Your ascent begins from the Gorham Mountain Trail parking area located on the Park Loop Road, a short distance on the right side a short distance past Thunder Hole. Rated as moderate, the hiking trail begins as an easy steady climb through a spruce forest, gradually becoming more rugged as it opens to a granite ascent.

Refer to the Acadia Hiking Trails page for suggestions and rules while hiking in Acadia National Park. Enjoy your visit. This is a most special place!

View of Otter Cliff from Gorham Mountain in Acadia
Gorham Mountain False Summit
View of Sand Beach from Gorham Mountain in Acadia

The Pathmaker

Shortly after you begin your journey, you will encounter a picturesque spot where the trail divides. At this point, you will see a plaque honoring Waldron Bates, a pioneer in trail design, who was the first to incorporate stone staircases and iron rung ladders in the trails to assist hikers in navigating cliffs, talus slopes (the inclined mass of rocks at the base of a cliff), and other steep areas. The Gorham Mountain Cadillac Cliffs Trail, which veers to the right, exemplifies his work. However, I recommend choosing the left path for your ascent. The trail to the right can be quite rough in some areas, with rock outcroppings that extend overhead. Ultimately, use your own judgment to decide.

The False Summit

Soon, you will arrive at what is known as the mountain's false summit, where you will have an unobstructed view of Otter Cliff, Otter Point, Baker Island, and the Cranberry Islands. This area was scorched by the infamous 1947 fire that devastated a large part of Mount Desert Island, and you may notice some of its remnants. Ahead lies the true summit, your ultimate goal for this hike. The blue trail markers and cairns are clearly visible and strategically placed to guide you along the path. The Park Service does an excellent job of maintaining them. During my recent visit early one Sunday morning, they were actively checking the markers' locations and accuracy.

Reaching the Summit

Upon reaching the true summit of Gorham Mountain, take a moment to relax, breathe in the ocean breeze, and savor the breathtaking panoramic views that Acadia National Park offers. To the north lies the Beehive, while Sand Beach is to the northeast, Thunder Hole to the east, and Otter Cliff to the southeast. The round trip from this point is approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km), but you may choose to extend your journey to include The Beehive. If you're hiking in late July or most of August, be sure to pause and sample some of the wild Maine blueberries that flourish along these mountain trails. Enjoy your adventure!

Beaches Hiking Trails Park Loop Road

Million Dollar Views

I am particularly fond of the Gorham Mountain Trail. Rated as a moderate trail on the hiking trail rating system, it spans only 1.8 miles (2.9 km) for the round trip. This is an important factor to consider when carrying heavy photography equipment to its 525-foot summit. More importantly, aside from Cadillac Mountain, there is no better spot to capture so many stunning views on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. It's essential to ensure you have the right hiking shoes or boots with solid ankle support for the climb. Once at the top, you have the option to continue north toward the Beehive, located just northwest of Sand Beach. Note: Families should supervise children closely and attempt this climb only if they have experience.

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